Gary N Dugan

Gary N. Dugan, 79, of Huron, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on October 1, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, Gary grew up in Perry, Ohio, where he developed the values of hard work, dedication, and community that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from The Ohio State University and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

Gary devoted his professional life to the field of landscape horticulture. A lifelong nurseryman, he helped lead Dugan Nurseries in Perry and worked at several respected nurseries throughout Northern Ohio. Even in retirement, his passion for landscaping never faded. He took great pride in helping care for the grounds and beautifying the condominium community he called home in Huron.

Above all else, Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He always put his family first and spent much of his life doing everything he could to ensure that those he loved were cared for and supported. His presence was steady, dependable, and reassuring, and his family always knew they could count on him.

Gary shared a wonderful life of adventure with his beloved wife, Janet. Together they traveled extensively, creating cherished memories throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and many other destinations. During retirement, one of his greatest joys was spending time on Marco Island, Florida, with Jan and their beloved dogs, Murphy and Charlie. He especially loved welcoming his children and grandchildren for visits and family gatherings on the island.

A proud and attentive grandfather, Gary made it a priority to be present in the lives of his four grandchildren. Whether traveling to Alliance, Ohio, or Boston, Massachusetts, he rarely missed an opportunity to attend sporting events, band concerts, art exhibits, and other milestones. He found immense happiness watching them grow and took great pride in all they accomplished.

Gary was also known for qualities that his family will remember with a smile. He had a gift for telling stories—some of which were memorable enough to inspire a little fact-checking afterward. Whether recounting a personal adventure or sharing a piece of wisdom, Gary's tales often grew more colorful with each telling. He also possessed a sense of humor that was entirely his own. Jan often rolled her eyes at what became known in the family as his "Duganisms"—quirky observations, one-liners, and jokes that were sometimes groan-worthy, often unexpected, but always unmistakably Gary. Those moments brought laughter, sparked countless family stories, and became part of the fabric of who he was. They were among the many reasons he was loved so dearly.

Gary also had a lifelong appreciation for simple pleasures. He never met a fried clam he didn't like and looked forward to making the pilgrimage to Woodman's of Essex whenever he visited Boston.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Janet; his son, Matt, and wife Jessica, and their sons, Will and Ben; his daughter, Erin (Dugan) West, and her children, David and Abbey (fiancé Joseph Huntsman); his brother, Thomas Dugan, and wife Sharon; nieces Jennifer, Emily, Bessie, Suzie, and Charlotte; and countless friends and extended family members whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, David and Eleanor Dugan; his sister, Patricia; his brothers, Dan and Douglas; his nephew, Bruce; and his parents-in-law, Titus and Alice Metcalf.

Gary will be remembered for his kindness, quiet strength, unwavering dedication to family, and willingness to help others without hesitation. He will also be remembered for the stories, humor, and "Duganisms" that could make family members laugh, debate, or shake their heads—sometimes all at the same time. His legacy lives on in the gardens he nurtured, the communities he served, and, most importantly, in the family he loved so deeply.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Huron United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. A luncheon reception will immediately follow, and all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Huron United Methodist Church or Erie County Metroparks

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, Ohio, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary N Dugan, please visit our floral store.